Instead of replacing expensive tile, consider refreshing the surrounding grout. Whether on a kitchen floor or a shower wall, tile typically outlasts grout. Over time, grout can accumulate stains or cracks, leaving a dingy appearance. You might think you have to replace it all, but in reality, you just need to regrout the tile.
While replacing tile is a messy, involved job, regrouting tile is a surprisingly easy project that any DIYer can do. Even if you have new grout, replacing your grout with a different color grout can give your tile surface a totally new look. Follow the steps below to refresh your space by regrouting tile.
Before Getting Started
The key to making regrouting as efficient and painless as possible is to gather the right tools for the job and properly prep the space beforehand. Trying to chip away at the grout using a chisel or a utility knife will only end in damaged tiles or injury. The two main tools you should buy for regrouting tile are an oscillating multitool with a grout-removal blade and a carbide-tipped grout-removal tool.
If you don't own an oscillating multitool and are looking to save money, you can technically remove all the tile with a manual grout removal tool, just plan on the project taking much longer.
Once you've gathered your tools, be sure to prep the area to prevent damage to the surrounding surfaces. If the grout you're removing sits above a delicate surface, such as a countertop or bathtub, protect the surface with tape and thick cardboard to prevent the grout from scratching it as it falls.
How to Regrout Tile
- Remove the GroutFit the oscillating multitool with the grout removal blade and begin cutting the grout out of the joints, being careful not to scar the edges of the tile with the blade. To aid in holding the tool steady, rest your arm against the tile surface as you hold the tool and smoothly move it through the joint. Refrain from forcing the blade into the grout. Instead, let the blade's oscillation and vibration do the work. Focus on the grout in the middle of the joints rather than the portion sticking to the tile.If you feel the blade is beginning to work slower, change its positioning on the head of the tool to utilize a sharper portion of the blade.
Remove the Grout
Fit the oscillating multitool with the grout removal blade and begin cutting the grout out of the joints, being careful not to scar the edges of the tile with the blade. To aid in holding the tool steady, rest your arm against the tile surface as you hold the tool and smoothly move it through the joint. Refrain from forcing the blade into the grout. Instead, let the blade's oscillation and vibration do the work. Focus on the grout in the middle of the joints rather than the portion sticking to the tile.
If you feel the blade is beginning to work slower, change its positioning on the head of the tool to utilize a sharper portion of the blade.
- Vacuum Grout LinesAs you cut away the grout with the oscillating multitool, use your wet/dry vacuum to remove any pieces and dust.
Vacuum Grout Lines
As you cut away the grout with the oscillating multitool, use your wet/dry vacuum to remove any pieces and dust.
- Manually Remove Remaining GroutRemove the remainder of the grout using the carbide-tipped manual grout removal tool. To do so, flip the triangular blade until you find a size that fits in the grout line and scrape back and forth to clean away all of the remaining grout.Grout removal tools are designed to scrape away grout without scratching the tiles. However, they can still scratch tile and should be used carefully.
Manually Remove Remaining Grout
Remove the remainder of the grout using the carbide-tipped manual grout removal tool. To do so, flip the triangular blade until you find a size that fits in the grout line and scrape back and forth to clean away all of the remaining grout.
Grout removal tools are designed to scrape away grout without scratching the tiles. However, they can still scratch tile and should be used carefully.
- Vacuum Every Grout LineThoroughly vacuum the entirety of the tiled surface removing every bit of loose grout and dust from each joint. Failure to do so will compromise the hold of the new grout.
Vacuum Every Grout Line
Thoroughly vacuum the entirety of the tiled surface removing every bit of loose grout and dust from each joint. Failure to do so will compromise the hold of the new grout.
- Mix New GroutMix the new grout according to the manufacturer's instructions, or simply purchase ready-to-use grout. For most grouts, the instructions will specify mixing a portion of the water in a bucket with a portion of powder, then adding more as you mix to achieve the final mixture and proper consistency. Properly mixed grout should be thick yet still pourable. If mixed too thin, the grout will run from the grout lines before it sets.
Mix New Grout
Mix the new grout according to the manufacturer's instructions, or simply purchase ready-to-use grout. For most grouts, the instructions will specify mixing a portion of the water in a bucket with a portion of powder, then adding more as you mix to achieve the final mixture and proper consistency. Properly mixed grout should be thick yet still pourable. If mixed too thin, the grout will run from the grout lines before it sets.
- Apply New GroutUsing a rubber grout float, scoop the grout from the bucket and smear it into the grout lines. To do so, hold the float at a 45- to 60-degree angle from the tiles and approach the joints at an angle between parallel and perpendicular. This will allow the grout to fill the joint without the float pulling it from the joint. To ensure each joint is filled, make another pass in the opposite direction.
Apply New Grout
Using a rubber grout float, scoop the grout from the bucket and smear it into the grout lines. To do so, hold the float at a 45- to 60-degree angle from the tiles and approach the joints at an angle between parallel and perpendicular. This will allow the grout to fill the joint without the float pulling it from the joint. To ensure each joint is filled, make another pass in the opposite direction.
- Let the Grout SetLet the grout set for the specified time on the manufacturer's instructions.
Let the Grout Set
Let the grout set for the specified time on the manufacturer's instructions.
- Sponge Grout JointsSoak a grouting sponge and ring out nearly all of the water. Wipe the grout joints and tile surface in a circular motion, smoothing the grout joints and removing the excess grout. Let the grout dry completely.
Sponge Grout Joints
Soak a grouting sponge and ring out nearly all of the water. Wipe the grout joints and tile surface in a circular motion, smoothing the grout joints and removing the excess grout. Let the grout dry completely.
- Buff the TilesRemove any grout haze left behind on the tiles by buffing them with a microfiber cloth. If necessary, use a haze-removal solution to remove stubborn haze.
Buff the Tiles
Remove any grout haze left behind on the tiles by buffing them with a microfiber cloth. If necessary, use a haze-removal solution to remove stubborn haze.
- Seal the Grout (Optional)Consult the manufacturer's instructions to determine whether or not the grout should be sealed. If sealing is required, apply the grout sealer to the fully dried grout as directed.
Seal the Grout (Optional)
Consult the manufacturer's instructions to determine whether or not the grout should be sealed. If sealing is required, apply the grout sealer to the fully dried grout as directed.
How to Maintain and Clean Grout
Believe it or not, keeping grout clean long-term is possible—even white grout. The key is to ensure the grout is sealed after installation, should the grout require sealing. After sealing the grout, regularly wipe it down with your everyday cleaning spray of choice to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime. Always check to make sure whatever product you're using is safe for tile and grout surfaces, then test it on an inconspicuous spot first. To clean grout that has lost its luster, you can make a strong grout cleaner with items you likely already have on hand.